Talking to locals about infill housing

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This article was published 06/01/2020 (2127 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In the ongoing debate about the pros and cons of infill in Old St. Vital, we’ve heard many voices on different sides of the issue.

Politicians, developers, longtime residents, urban planners and activists. One voice conspicuously missing however, are the opinions of the people who actually have bought and live in these new homes.

I sat down with Glenwood residents Adam and Ava, who bought an infill house three years ago.

“We moved into one of the first infill houses on the street. We had been looking in different areas, like Fort Rouge after a few years in a Corydon apartment.”

What made you want to buy an infill house?

“We’re quite busy, didn’t want a big yard. I [Ava] travel a lot for work. After condo and apartment living for years, we just aren’t yard people; we would rather spend time on other things. I grew up in the west end with no yard, he [Adam] grew up with a huge yard in East St. Paul and cut enough grass for a lifetime’.”

What attracted you to Glenwood?

“We like that it’s close to schools and community centres, it’s a safe neighbourhood, and we wanted to be in cycling and bus distance of work.”

“We never thought about Old St. Vital before, but after being in Fort Rouge and seeing 100-year-old houses listed for $400,000, in poor condition, we thought twice. Then our realtor recommended our current home. More affordable, but also brand-new and modern, in the kind of neighbourhood we like!”

How does the rhetoric and debate about infill make you feel?

“Having lived in dense cities before like Vancouver and Toronto, it felt like they were thriving.”

“It’s hard to have a discussion with some of the people who oppose infill, because they can’t be wrong. Their voices are much louder than people who are just happy in their house, living their lives. We don’t speak up enough, but it’s not worth it because there’s so much negativity you get back”

“That said, I understand why they are concerned. They’ve lived here for years, now are seeing all these changes. But for the city and neighbourhood, it’s definitely better to create more density, replace decrepit houses, bring in more families”

What do you want to convey to your community?

“There’s an upcoming appeal on another lot split near us; the house looks run down and ready to collapse. We used to see some sketchy stuff out of some of the homes that are now replaced by infill. It’s improved the street.”

“We love our house and our community. It was new, and it was custom, it didn’t feel like a cookie cutter.”

“We have two dogs, and often walk them, and like meeting our neighbours, and are making more friends. We talk to them sometimes about infill. We agree there could be a better process. We do need clearer policies, as long as it doesn’t hinder progress and density. I think it could help put minds at ease.”

Ryan Palmquist is a community correspondent for St. Vital.